Africa-Press – Namibia. The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved an allocation of N$30.3 billion (US$1.78 billion) for Namibia under its newly adopted Country Strategy Paper for 2025–2030, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, human capital and economic diversification.
The Government of Namibia has welcomed the approval of the Namibia Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for the period 2025 to 2030 by the board of directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, the government said the strategy provides a clear framework for AfDB support to Namibia over the next five years through grants, loans and technical assistance. The CSP also opens an investment approval window of up to US$1.78 billion for development projects in the country. The CSP outlines key priorities to support Namibia’s national development goals. These include infrastructure development and human capital development.
“Under infrastructure development, investments will focus on transport, energy and water.
The government said these projects will lower business costs, improve productivity and strengthen Namibia’s position as a regional logistics hub.
The strategy also aims to expand renewable energy, improve energy security and increase access to clean water and sanitation, especially in rural areas,” the government said.
The second priority area is human capital development. This will include support for technical and vocational education, skills training linked to labour market needs, and stronger links between education and employment. The strategy will also support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and promote women’s economic empowerment.
The Ministry of Finance said the CSP is not only a planning tool but also a key financing instrument. The US$1.78 billion package will include concessional loans, grants, technical assistance and market-based financing. This funding is expected to help Namibia attract additional resources from other development partners and private investors.
According to the government, the strategy will reduce pressure on public finances by providing long-term and affordable funding for priority sectors. It will also support faster project implementation and strengthen Namibia’s credit profile through structured partnerships with the AfDB.
The government expects the strategy to help diversify the economy beyond mining and agriculture, expand manufacturing and create thousands of jobs. Infrastructure investments are expected to increase electricity access from the current 59.5% toward universal coverage, improve trade links with Angola and Zambia, and reduce transport and logistics costs.
“The new strategy builds on the AfDB’s long-standing partnership with Namibia. Over the past decade, the bank has invested about US$658.1 million in projects such as the expansion of the Port of Walvis Bay, railway upgrades and education infrastructure across all 14 regions,” says the government.
The government said it remains committed to working closely with the AfDB and other partners to ensure successful implementation of the strategy, which aligns with Vision 2030, Africa’s Agenda 2063 and other national and continental frameworks. The first projects under the new CSP are expected to begin in early 2026.
The bank group’s deputy director general for Southern Africa and country manager Moono Mupotola, said that, “the financing is expected to pave the way job for creation and economic diversification while also addressing key challenges facing of the world.”
He further said, youth unemployment remains above 40%, while per-capita income has declined from N$101100 (US$5 942) in 2012 to N$72 100 (US$4 240) in 2024.
“This strategy marks a pivotal moment for Namibia’s development. By focusing on strategic infrastructure and human capital development, we are laying the foundation for inclusive growth that will benefit all Namibians, particularly the young,” he said.
The bank said the financing will support transport, energy and water infrastructure to lower business costs, stimulate investment and position Namibia as a regional logistics hub.
Mupotola said planned investments will support AfCFTA-linked trade efficiencies, strengthen energy security through renewable projects and expand clean water and sanitation in underserved areas.
The AfDB noted that the interventions are expected to lift electricity access from 59.5% toward universal coverage and improve cross-border connectivity with Angola and Zambia.
The strategy also focuses on market-aligned technical and vocational training, MSME support and women’s economic empowerment, with the AfDB stating that these measures are intended to strengthen employment pathways and widen participation in the economy.
“Recent U.S. tariff impositions and official development assistance cuts have created additional pressures on Namibia’s economy. Our strategy strengthens resilience by diversifying export markets, enhancing regional integration and building domestic productive capacities,” Mupotola said.
The AfDB added that the programme is expected to support economic diversification beyond mining and agriculture, increase manufacturing capacity, deepen MSME participation in value chains and create thousands of jobs.
The latest allocation builds on N$11.2 billion (US$658.1 million) in AfDB financing over the past decade, which supported projects including the Walvis Bay Port expansion, national railway upgrades and improvements to 27 education institutions across all 14 regions.
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